ComCol North Canterbury to deliver course
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury’s community college is looking to make a return next month after an uncertain 12 months.
ComCol suspended its Youth Guarantee education programmes at the end of last year due to rising compliance costs.
A new eight-week pilot educational programme, Grow, is set to be launched by ComCol North Canterbury for term four.
Manager Kate O’Connor said the programme would teach in resilience, wellbeing, food security and sustainability.
Skills included cooking, budgeting and preparing a CV.
She said it would centre on growing food and preparing it in the kitchen.
But there would be flexibility to support students’ goals, including supporting them into work experience.
The pilot course would be funded from ComCol’s reserve funds and O’Connor was also seeking support from the community.
‘‘We felt the need was there in the community, so we are doing it on our own back.
‘‘And we are looking to the community to be involved in our project.
‘‘If people have an abundance of fruit and vegetables that we can come and harvest and help turn that excess produce into a usable product to go into our koha shed, we would love to hear from you.’’
ComCol already has established relationships with Rangiora High School, Salvation Army Rangiora and Satisfy Food Rescue.
Should the pilot be successful, O’Connor said ComCol would reapply to the Ministry of Social Development for Youth Guarantee funding.
She hoped to roll Grow out as a 12-week course across all the ComCol sites next year.
ComCol has been offering an alternative education option in North Canterbury for more than 30 years.
‘‘Schools in our region do a great job of educating a significant number of our young people, but for those whose needs are not met by the existing school system an alternative is required.’’
ComCol has continued to offer its free mentoring Youth Service across all of its South Island site.
The Rangiora site continues to support programmes for Rangiora and Kaiapoi high schools and Te Kura (home school) students.
■ Anyone who is interested in the Grow programme can contact ComCol North Canterbury on (03) 3135874 or email info@comcol.ac.nz.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
Poll: Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦
Canterbury, you have a hidden treasure right on your doorstep ... though it does come with a 1.5-hour walk up the stunning Rakaia Gorge Walkway.
Along the trail you’ll find The Fantail Shop showcasing small artworks by local artisans. Even better, every purchase supports the Fantail Trust, helping protect and restore biodiversity on the north bank of the gorge.
So we’re curious: would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? (And for local biodiversity, of course 🌿)
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31.6% Yes!
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68.4% No thank you.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.5% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.3% I want to be able to choose.
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47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
Musicians Wanted
‘Rangiora Bells’ is seeking musicians to join the handbell choir. We are a friendly group of handbell ringers who enjoy making music and entertaining at community groups.
If you would like to come and have a go at ringing handbells, please come along to one of our practice sessions. No commitment necessary if you decide that this is not for you.
An ability to read basic music notation preferred.
Practice days – Thursdays 1pm – 2.30pm
(beginning 19th February 2026)
In the lounge at Trinity Methodist Church
176 King Street
Rangiora
Clare Dolheguy
Phone 027 583 7504
claredoll6@gmail.com
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